The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1887-06-16

1 x1~
gradually the Mcgilps glided into debt, and
In due course the tradespeople became rest
i've and refused further supplies until their
little bills were paid. When Michael An
gelo and his wife came to add up their
liabilities, they found that they amounted
TO nearly R200, . sum-total which seemed
terrific to poor little Mrs. Megilp.
Where on earth can We get R20o, AngyY'
she cried, slasping her hands tragically. IAN
your pictures, even II you could cell them,
wouldn fetch half that.''
There's the furniture, you know, Madge, /"
hasarded Megilp. ut was bought with yonr
money. What do You say to-"
"Oh, don't-do~'t cell Il; couldn't bear
70 part with oil my pretty things" she in
terrupted. with loving glance round her
drawins-room, which was quite picture Of
modest elegance.
II shouldn't think Of asking you to make
such sacrifice, my dear" replied Michael
Angelo, soothingly; 'but We could raise
2200 on II easily"
"You'rs quite-qstss sure the furniture
would be safsr'
Perfectly sure; and think know the
man who will do the business bill Of sale,
you know-not half . bad way Of raising
money"
Accordingly, Megilp went next morning
down to Wardour street, and in dirty little
bric-a-brac shop he unearthed the worthy
persons who was to oblige him with the
loan.
"You want R200 on q bill of sale on your
furniturer said Mr.. Zeruhbabel, when the
artist had explained his errand. II must
come down to your house and see what you
nave got before can give you an answer"
surely you can take my word that there
is more than ample security for the amount
! want. Besides presents, We ourselves spent
over $500 only two years ago." replied
Michael Angelo, angrily.
Mr.. Zerubbabel laid his fat forehnger along
his great hooked nose, and winked, adding:
II dare ssy. Still, I'd rather have look
at It before we do businep. II you give me
your address I'll call on you tomorrow"
Michael Angelo swallowed his vexation -
best he could, gave his address, and left the
bric-a-brac shop.
Mr.. Zerubbabal duly paid his visit Of in
spection, and in the course Of Q few days the
negotiation was Jatt secompW The Megilps
paid their bills, the tradespeople smiled once
more on Ars. Megilps and matters went on
quite smoothly for several months. The in
terest on the e20o was punctually paid. and
early In the year Michael Angelo finished
the picture he intended to send in to Burling-
ton House.
Every one who entered the studio
prophesied great things Of this picture,
and every one agreed that "Chloe
Counting Her Chickens'' was, 20 far,
AkaR
founded all his hopes Of fame on this charm
ing work.
II won't take penny less than R500 for
It," he said to his wife, after the visit Of dis
dnguishsd art critic to his studio "Carper
saysit will take the town by storm-and 10
1t Mill."
Aegilp. II often feel uncomfortable about
that dreadful bill Of sale like what s-his-
names sword hanging over our heads"
"Oh, the furniture is safe enough" replied
Michael Angelo. lightly. "But tell you
what It II, Nadge-it handicaps me fright
fully to have bill Of sale registered against |
me-"
why don't you 20 and zee Zerubbabel, |
and ny to come to terms with himf" sug-
gsstsd Mrs. Megilp. "Of course, he has
heard Of 'Chloe'-every one has-and II you
promise 70 pay him when you have sold |
your picture, surely he can't refuse to give |
you back that horrid document"
Though hardly taking this optimistic view
Of matters, Megilp acted ON his wife's advice,
and forthwith paid visit to Mr.. Zerub-
babsl's shop.
When he had preferred his request, the
bric-a-brac seller smiled and shook his head.
"Aicah Zerubbabel wasn't born yester-
day" hs said, with cunning look in his
twinkling black eyes. ''Your picture
maynt be worth fve-pound note"
ITS worth at least R500" broke in the
artast. reddening, "Carper said so.''
"Who's Carperf But even II the picture
ware worth $500, I" grinned Mr.. Zsrubbabel,
II wouldn't pay meto buy II at such price.
But Why do you want 70 quash the bill Of
,alsr'
~ want to be rid Of the business. Itdoesn't
Iuit me to have thing of this sort hanging
over me-in fact, It 10 against me In my pro
Session."
Better hnd the 22O0, them" replied the
insolently; ''but personally,
I'm not fond Of buying pes In pokes, or pic
uro BY unknown artists, though perhaps
,ther people may be- Itis, however, for you
o flnd them, not TOR me. Good morning.
~ dear siS. Sorry can't obligs you"
"Horrid old soampI'' muttsrsd Hesilp. :,
's ieft zsrubbshsrs shop and turned his facs
VeGtvard.
mot 70 b. caught By chat. my ilns shsn-
lman," commented the amiabls bric-s- s-bras
e.sss turning bsek into biz dinU abods.